Imagine that you only have your kids from 0 - 3 years old, and then they are out of your hands. What would you want them to learn more than anything else so they would be able to make it successfully and happily through life?
One study by two principal researchers of how intellectual capacity is determined, Todd Risley and Betty Hart says that in the short period from 0-3 years old, a significant portion of the child's intellectual capacity is determined. Given these facts, do we allocate the proper amount of effort, time, and money to ensure that we have laid a strong foundation during these formative years?
Ironically, in some ways, I don't think we do. We are willing to spend in excess of $100,000 for the 4 year education of 18 to 23 year olds. What are we doing for the far more important developmental period from 0-3 years old?
I am a Dad. I have a one year old boy and a two year old girl. I have been asking myself these questions for the past couple of years, in an effort to raise my toddlers. I have a rough idea of what I think the most important things my kids should learn and understand about themselves during this period. I think they should begin to develop a strong sense and acceptance of their identity, how to trust in relationships, ability to persist as they try new things, a strong curiosity and a love of learning, the desire to create, the desire to help others.
One way I wanted to teach my kids these things is through reading books to them that teach these foundational character traits. However, I had trouble finding a one stop shop that rates books based on these criteria. So, I decided to start this blog to rates books based on these concepts.
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